Carmen Cook resigns at Voorhees

After averaging more than 20 victories per season over a decade, Voorhees High School girls basketball coach Carmen Cook has resigned.

Cook, who used a system predicated on defense and hustle to compile 204 wins and four county tournament titles in 10 seasons, announced the decision to his team Thursday night.

“”I’m going to miss the practices — getting out there with the kids is what it’s all about,” Cook said. “”I just love competing and I thoroughly enjoyed all the coaches in the Skyland Conference.”

The move might not signal the end of his coaching career, however.

“”I just want to take a short break,” he said.

Prior to a 13-12 finish this season, the Vikings had registered at least 20 wins in four consecutive seasons.

Cook, who is highly respected among peers for his ability to maximize talent, led Voorhees to Hunterdon/Warren

Tournament titles in 2003, 2004 and 2007 and a Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament title in 2010.

In the 2006-2007 season, the Vikings captured the Skyland Delaware West Division and reeled off 19 straight victories.

“”I’ve always believed that it’s better to tell a kid something positive,” Cook said. “”I’ve never been a screamer and I don’t have them run sprints. Everything I did, I tried to get the best out of my kids.”

Cook joins David White (Pingry) as coaches who will not be returning next season.

About Ryan Dunleavy

Ryan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.